$2.4 million to enhance Wellbeing Centres across Cape York
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced an $885,000 investment to expand facilities and staffing at Aurukun’s Wellbeing Centre in Queensland’s Cape York region.
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Joint Release
The Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister For Indigenous Health, Rural And Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery
The Hon Desley Boyle MP
Minister For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (Qld)
The Hon Jim Turnour MP
Member For Leichhardt
20 April 2010The Minister for Indigenous Health and Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today announced an $885,000 investment to expand facilities and staffing at Aurukun’s Wellbeing Centre in Queensland’s Cape York region.
It is part of an additional $2.4 million allocated by the Rudd Government for upgrades to four Wellbeing Centres across Cape York, in Coen, Hope Vale, Aurukun and Mossman Gorge.
Mr Snowdon, who is visiting the region with the Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, said the funding will provide two additional counsellor positions, as well as an additional meeting and counselling room and a staff house.
“The Aurukun Wellbeing Centre is the largest of the four centres, and was established in mid 2008, as part of the Cape York reform trial. It is locally known as Aawuch Ngangk Kemp Min Aak, which translates to house of wellbeing for mind body and soul.”
“It was designed to help address concerns from Cape York Elders and Leaders about deteriorating social and economic conditions and it has proven to be a huge success,” Mr Snowdon said.
“There’s been an overwhelmingly positive response, with a steep increase in client numbers each month and now more than a quarter of the population in Aurukun are making use of this facility.
“That has increased the demand for services, and has resulted in the need for this extra funding to expand services,” he said.
The Rudd Government has invested $22 million over four years to establish four Wellbeing centres across Cape York, including a $6.6 million contribution from the Queensland Government.
This financial year the Australian Government has also provided more than $3.6 million to support the operation of the Wellbeing Centres.
The Wellbeing Centres are designed to meet the social and emotional wellbeing needs of people affected by or involved in drug and alcohol misuse and related family and domestic violence issues. They provide a comprehensive range of drug and alcohol, mental health, domestic violence and general counselling services.
Families and individuals who aren’t meeting parental and community responsibilities can be referred to the facilities by the Families Responsibilities Commission, set up as part of the Cape York Reform trial.
“In total, more than 500 people are now benefiting from these Wellbeing Centres across the region,” Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Desley Boyle said.
“These centres are not only about providing services but also about providing a centre for positive community activities.”
Mr Turnour said the Aurukun Wellbeing Centre continues to evolve as a community hub.
“Locals are actively engaged in a number of community development activities such as the therapeutic men’s group and the art therapy program that helps people with mental health problems.”
Mr Snowdon said the Wellbeing Centres’ success was strengthened by the involvement of the Wellbeing centre’s Local Advisory Group, which features 7 local Indigenous members.
“These members have to be congratulated for getting involved and developing responses to meet the specific health needs of this local community. This is an extremely positive and invaluable contribution that will ensure the long term sustainability of this community health service.”
Mr Turnour said he was pleased the centres also support training and jobs for local people. Eight staff, including five Indigenous staff, are employed at the centre.
He congratulated Royal Flying Doctor Service for operating the Aurukun Wellbeing Centre, and for playing a critical role in providing workforce training.
“We know it’s very difficult to access training in remote areas, but through the ‘Drop the Rock’ program Indigenous staff can train up for a Certificate IV level in Community Development, which can include drug and alcohol and mental health modules,” Mr Turnour said.
“The RFDS is training a new intake of 20 Indigenous staff in May, and three of them will come from Aurukun, so that’s very positive for the region,” Mr Snowdon added.
**Photos of every site announced are available, please email: alice.plate@health.gov.au**
Media contacts:
Snowdon 0400 045 999 or 02 6277 7380
Boyle 07 3227 6618
Turnour 0427 737 203
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